If you’ve kept up with The Star in recent weeks, you know all about the Catawba Indian Nation’s plans to build a destination resort in Cleveland County.

The Catawbas, as well as county officials, say 4,000 jobs would be created by the project. Another 5,000 would be used in construction alone.

The types of jobs are varied, as would be the pay. But it would be an enormous boost to this county the likes of which rarely, if ever, have been seen here.

There are different sides to the issue. There’s the economic side, which few can argue against. And we’ve heard concerns from the faith community on the religious side as well.

We’ve heard arguments from some in Raleigh that the Catawba shouldn’t have the land at all since they’re a “South Carolina tribe.” We’ll pretend to overlook the fact that most of these same political naysayers are firmly in the back pocket of the Cherokee, who operate Harrah’s Cherokee near the Tennessee state line and don’t like the thought of competition.

The naysayers are one thing. They’re around on every issue and all sides are entitled to voice concerns on issues impacting their community. But what happened on Friday was not expected.

During an annual meeting of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs in Raleigh, Gov. Pat McCrory was asked about this project.

His answer?

“I’ve seen no argument to justify it whatsoever.”

No argument to justify it? No argument to justify creating thousands of new jobs for his constituents, many of whom have been without steady work for years?

Is that arrogance or ignorance?

Shouldn’t the governor be looking to make it easier to find a job, not harder? And didn’t the governor run on improving the N.C. economy and job creation?

It should be noted that the Cherokee gave McCrory $4,000 in campaign contributions in 2012.

Whether Cleveland County should get the resort has drawn some debate among our readers. A rough estimate would be about 80 percent for, 20 percent against. But for the many readers who chimed in about McCrory’s statement through our website or Facebook page, there was no debate. There appeared to be only regret by some of those who helped vote him into office.

Apparently our governor isn’t interested in weighing the options, or understanding how vital this project could be to Cleveland County’s future.

It’s information voters might choose to carry into the voting booth if the governor’s name is ever on another ballot.